Cancer

Cancer is a four letter word.

Getting a cancer diagnosis strikes fear into the hearts of many individuals every year, every day for that matter. It leaves patients feeling hopeless and out of control. Four years ago, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the thought of losing her was scary. However, there are steps people can take to prevent cancer and to reverse the mess that they have gotten.

Where does cancer come from?

Cancer can come from several causes. Some of the main causes include poor diet, lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, environmental toxins such as radiation, high alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. Cancer cells and a general lack of wellness can also stem from life stress such as undealt with emotions, lack of sleep, and overworking or over exercising. These prevent the body from recovering.

A poor diet filled with processed foods and low in produce can increase the number of free radicals in the body. Lack of exercise increases the chance for a higher weight and decreases the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Alcohol use and tobacco use can block up the body’s elimination pathways such as the lungs and the liver. These can also increase the body’s levels of toxins and decrease levels of important nutrients such as zinc that is critical to the immune system. Other nutrients such as trace minerals, iodine, magnesium and many more contribute to cellular health, and without these proper new cell regeneration is very slow. This leaves a body more susceptible to disease.

The most underrated contributor to disease today is stress. Stress can come from everywhere: lack of sleep, overuse of technology, overworking, over exercising, dealing with others, or discontent in an area of one’s life. Stress depletes the body of nutrients such as zinc, which increases the ratio of copper to zinc. Stress also makes a person more likely to use unhealthy habits to cope with the stress.

How do we reduce our risk of cancer?

Though cancer can come from many sources in the world, there are several ways to prevent cancer as well. This is the best way to maintain one’s health even though there are many promising conventional cancer treatments that help cancer patients. One way is a high fiber diet. Eating a high fiber diet helps move waste through our bodies and prevents the buildup of toxins. High fiber foods are also high in phytonutrients and antioxidants that reduce free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause changes in a cell’s DNA, and these mutations can lead to cancer. These phytochemicals in fruit and vegetables have even been shown to put cancer into remission.

Another method of prevention is using non-toxic home products such as cleaning products, shampoo, soap, and detergents. Our skin is our largest organ, and it is important to minimize its exposure to toxins. Regular exercise supports our cardiovascular health, regulates our weight, and helps us sweat out toxins. Drinking adequate water also supports the removal of waste. Furthermore, minimizing or eliminating the use of tobacco, alcohol and sugar can reduce the chance of cancer.

Finally, we should reduce our exposure to ultra radiation and excessive sun exposure that will damage our skin. However, a healthy amount of sun exposure can promote vitamin D levels, which is an essential nutrient for the immune system and health. We can reduce our sun exposure by wearing appropriate clothing and hats. We can also use natural sunscreens with zinc oxide and avoid sunscreen, lotions, and makeup with harmful toxins.